Angelus Silesius

Angelus Silesius, born Johann Scheffler on December 25, 1624, in Breslau, Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland), was a notable German mystic and poet. Raised in a Lutheran family, Scheffler pursued medical studies and obtained his doctorate in 1648 at the University of Padua. His spiritual journey, however, led him beyond the realms of medicine.

Scheffler's profound engagement with mysticism and religious philosophy spurred his conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1653. Upon his conversion, he adopted the name Angelus Silesius, reflecting his Silesian origins. Joining the Franciscan order, he was ordained as a priest, actively serving the Catholic Church.

Angelus Silesius is best remembered for his mystical poetry, primarily encapsulated in his seminal work "Der Cherubinische Wandersmann" (The Cherubinic Pilgrim), published in 1657. His epigrammatic verses explore themes of the soul’s unity with God, the nature of divine love, and the mysteries of Christian mysticism, blending profound spiritual insight with lyrical elegance.

Despite his spiritual prominence, Angelus Silesius faced controversy and opposition from Protestant authorities due to his conversion. He spent his later years in Breslau, continuing his theological writings until his death on July 9, 1677. His works have left an enduring legacy in Christian mysticism and German literature.